The law, which was first passed in 2003, and renewed every year since, forbids Palestinians married to Israelis from living in Israel or becoming Israeli citizens.

First introduced as a temporary security measure, aimed at preventing potential terrorists entering Israel through marriage, the law has been heavily criticised for essentially banning marry between Israeli and Palestinians.

Defending the law, Interior Minister Silvan Shalom drew attention to Palestinians who "took advantage of their status in Israel as a result of family reunification processes to become involved in terrorist activities, including aiding in carrying out suicide attacks."

He encouraged Knesset members to support the law, saying the security situation had worsened in recent months.